How to Get Rid of Garden Voles

Mel Frank

Garden voles are a common pest that attack your landscaping. They are similar in size to a mouse, but have larger claws that allow for digging. Voles not only tear apart the garden but also can eat plants and damage bulbs. You can make an inexpensive mixture that will keep the voles out of your garden without requiring you to kill them.

Step 1

Pour 1 tablespoon castor oil and 2 tablespoons liquid dish detergent into a mixing bowl or blender. Whip the mixture with a whisk, or turn on the blender. Continue until a thick foam is formed.

Step 2

Pour 6 tablespoons of water into the mixture and blend or whisk again until you have a consistency of shaving cream.

Step 3

Drop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a watering can and fill the can with water. Sprinkle the watering can over the entire garden, and repeat as needed until the entire garden is covered with a moist sprinkling of the water mixture.

Step 4

Repeat weekly, or as needed if you notice garden damage. Also re-apply after heavy rains, when much of the mixture will be washed away.